The Best Budget Windows Phone 2017: Getting More for Your Money

Mobile phones have come a long way in recent years. Incredibly detailed touchscreens, a host of downloadable applications and 4G wireless connectivity are a few advancements which have served to define the industry. Still, not all of us can afford cutting-edge models such as the new iPhone expected to be unveiled in September. Those who are on a budget are often looking for viable alternatives that still provide a host of modern advantages. Windows offers a handful of phones which can satisfy these needs without breaking the proverbial bank. Let us look at some budget-friendly designs which will keep consumers happy.

The Microsoft Lumia 650

Most tech analysts agree that the Lumia 650 is by far the best phone for those who cannot afford to spend a great deal of money. Priced at just under £200 pounds, this model offers most of the modern amenities that we have come to expect. Some notable examples include:

It also provides quick-access icons to common websites such as Microsoft Edge, Facebook and Amazon, so navigation has never been easier. Of course, the main trade off is that its screen resolution is not as impressive as some other models and its on-board memory capacity is slightly lower. There is still no doubt that the Lumia 650 is certainly worth a closer look. At less than £200 pounds, most consumers will be pleasantly surprised with what is in store.

The Nokia Lumia 735

The Nokia Lumia 735 is actually a close rival of the 650 in terms of price. Costing only £20 pounds more (approximately), this model features all of the bells and whistles that will keep the user entertained for hours. Many feel that is the best budget phone for those who enjoy taking selfies due to a high-definition front-facing camera. Wireless charging capabilities, 4G data transmission speeds and microSD support are some other features worth mentioning. It also works with Windows 8.1; ideal for those who might not have been enthused to adapt to the rather obtuse Windows 10 operating system. The Nokia Lumia 735 is billed as a “fun” mobile phone due to its ability to integrate with social media networks at the click of a button. While perhaps not as advanced as some other models, its price more than makes up for any shortcomings.

The Microsoft Lumia 950

Although we have taken a look at two models which offer comparable capabilities to other brands, we also need to highlight what is considered to be the closest rival to major players such as Samsung and Apple. The Lumia 950 is priced at approximately £400 pounds; making it hundreds of pounds cheaper than high-end alternatives. In essence, this model is the more compact version of the Lumia 950 XL. The only major difference is that its processing power is a bit slower.

This could actually be a good thing, as a 5.2-inch screen is a bit easier to handle. Its use of a Snapdragon 808 processor will provide speeds which are adequate to handle most applications and three gigabytes of RAM are likewise sufficient in terms of memory storage. This storage can be enhanced through the use of a microSD card.

A 20-megapixel rear-facing camera is also a nice touch; ideal for snapping a picture or two without sacrificing image quality. This is also the first Nokia model to utilise the Windows 10 operating system. The only major difference to point out is that this is NOT a contractual phone. The user will need to purchase a separate SIM card. This is arguably why its price is much less than comparable models on the market.

A Phone for Every Budget

We can now see that even those consumers who have limited funds can take advantage of these Microsoft phones. Whether one has been looking for a budget model to use when travelling or a phone designed to meet the needs of 4G communications, there is indeed something here for everyone.

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